Ophioglossum pusillum

Ophioglossum pusillum is a species of fern in the family Ophioglossaceae known by the common name northern adder's tongue.

Ophioglossum pusillum
Conservation status
Secure  (NatureServe)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Division:	Polypodiophyta
Class:	Polypodiopsida
Order:	Ophioglossales
Family:	Ophioglossaceae
Genus:	Ophioglossum
Species:	O. pusillum
Binomial name
Ophioglossum pusillum Raf.

It is native to northern North America, where it is widespread in moist areas such as marshes, fens, and meadows. It is found from northern California through Alaska on the west, and from central Appalachia through the northern Great Plains and the Great Lakes regions, across the Northeastern United States and Eastern Canada.

Description

Ophioglossum pusillum is a small, inconspicuous, fleshy perennial plant growing from a caudex no more than 3 centimeters wide. It produces one leaf per year.

The leaf is divided into a thin, pale green blade-shaped part, which is sterile, and a fertile stalk lined with two rows of sporangia.

External links

• USDA Plants Profile of Ophioglossum pusillum
• Jepson Manual Treatment for Ophioglossum pusillum
• Flora of North America: Ophioglossum pusillum
• Ophioglossum pusillum — U.C. Photo gallery